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- Tasks: Lead and inspire the nursing team while ensuring top-notch patient care.
- Company: Join Coombefield Veterinary Hospital, a leading RCVS accredited facility in beautiful East Devon.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 6.6 weeks annual leave, and a £550 CPD allowance.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team that values inclusivity and professional growth.
- Qualifications: Ideal candidates should have 3+ years of experience as an RVN or Deputy Head Nurse.
- Other info: Work in a state-of-the-art hospital with opportunities for career development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Deputy Head Nurse – Small Animal role at Vet Record Careers
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Join to apply for the Deputy Head Nurse – Small Animal role at Vet Record Careers
Coombefield Veterinary Hospital are delighted to open applications for a confident, motivated Deputy Head Nurse to join our team on a full time basis. If you are looking to develop your career in a busy, well-equipped RCVS accredited Veterinary Hospital in Axminster Devon, this is the perfect opportunity for you!
The Role
We are looking for someone to join our team for 32 hours per week, including a weekend rota, as a Deputy Head Nurse. Our ideal candidate would be an existing Deputy Head Nurse or experienced RVN, preferably with 3 years or more experience, and you will be working alongside our Head Nurse and one other existing Deputy Head Nurse.
This role will involve clinical and administrative work.The roles and responsibilities of this position include:
- Deputise in the absence of the Head RVN, managing all aspects of the nursing team
- Set standards in terms of professional conduct
- Ensure the highest standard of patient care is delivered and maintained
- Role model and advocate excellent teamwork
- Support the Head RVN in the smooth running of the hospital, being available to direct the team and allocate duties appropriately
- Support the Head RVN in other projects involving the nursing team and running of the hospital
- Support the Head RVN and ensure job standards and SOP\’s are current and they are followed at all times.
- Support the Head RVN to ensure the ‘Practice Standards Scheme\’ and ‘Health & Safety Folder\’ are reviewed regularly and updated as necessary and that all new policies are instigated
- Lead, inspire and manage our student nurses and VCAs. Ensuring competencies are reached and work is allocated appropriately.
- Support new starters to the VN team with their induction and clinical competencies
- Clinical coaching of SVNs and support of other clinical coaches in the practice as needed
- Clinical governance and auditing
- Oversee and ensure the efficient daily running of the in-house laboratory
- The ability to inspire, lead and motivate staff is essential
Who We Are
Our main site is an RCVS accredited, large, purpose-built hospital practice in Axminster, with a branch practice in Seaton. We have a separately staffed, dedicated OOH night service called Three Counties Veterinary Emergencies, working out of our Axminster site with surrounding practices feeding into this service.
We are the only RCVS accredited hospital with 24-hour care in the area, with the facilities and equipment to match.
Being in beautiful East Devon, the world-famous Jurassic Coast is on our doorstep and there are numerous outdoor activities both on and off the water.
The hospital has two bright and airy operating theatres, a large prep area, self-contained dental suite, imaging suite, separate cattery, kennels and isolation wards. There is also an internal laboratory, pharmacy and five consult rooms (one of which is a dedicated nurse consult room). There are also separate dog and cat waiting areas.
Our Team and Culture
Our nursing team currently consists of 11 RVNs, 3 night VNs, 3 SVNs and 5 VCAs. The nursing team are friendly, vibrant and welcoming who all work well together. They are instrumental in delivering the patient care we are extremely proud of at Coombefield.
We currently have 17 vets with certificates/special interests in Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Feline Medicine, Imaging, ECC, Dentistry and Surgery. RATA also visit regularly delivering orthopaedic surgery. The workload is, therefore, busy and varied, with plenty of opportunity to explore your interests. As part of a rotational rolling rota you will get the opportunity to work within all areas of the practice, and more importantly using all of your nursing capabilities. We are currently in the process of moving to staged dental procedures and offering nurse Schedule III procedural afternoons. It is important that our nurses are able to be fully utilised and offer their specialised skills for improved job role satisfaction.
We pride ourselves in our culture of inclusivity and respect. Every member of our team is valued, working collaboratively to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients. As a senior leadership team, we have an open-door policy, our priority being the well-being of our team as well as our clinical duties. To ensure our teams have the opportunity to be heard, bringing new ideas to the practice is actively encouraged.
With a large team we are well practiced in flexible working, understanding that you may have priorities outside your career, and enabling this balance helps our staff work to their full potential. Our family values are at the heart of how we look after and treat one another. Our supportive culture is reflected in our staff, some having been with Coombefield for many years and others choosing to return.
Because our people matter
We Recognise That Our People Are Fundamental To The Success Of Our Business. Investing In Our People, Premises And Processes Is At The Heart Of What We Do. In Addition To a Competitive Base Salary, You Will Benefit From
Work life balance
- 6.6 weeks annual leave
- Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
- Your birthday as a paid day off
Wellbeing
- Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
- Private Medical Insurance
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing, including discounted gym membership
- Non-accidental injury support
Development
- £550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid pro rata
- Certificate support
- Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
- Access to Vetlexicon – our online encyclopaedia provider
- All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
- Infection Prevention and Control Programme
- Quality Improvement Programme
Professional Memberships
- VDS cover
- RCVS fees
Additional
- Pawsome Benefits – reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100\’s of retailers
- Pension – 5% Employee/3% Employer
- Discounted staff pet care
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Health Care Provider
-
Industries
Veterinary
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Deputy Head Nurse - Small Animal employer: Vet Record Careers
Contact Detail:
Vet Record Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head Nurse - Small Animal
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of a Deputy Head Nurse. Understanding the clinical and administrative aspects of the role will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees at Coombefield Veterinary Hospital. They can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which you can leverage in your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your leadership skills and experience in managing teams. Be prepared to share examples of how you've inspired and motivated staff in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest veterinary practices and standards, especially those related to the RCVS accreditation. Showing that you're up-to-date with industry trends will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head Nurse - Small Animal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in veterinary nursing and leadership roles. Emphasise any specific skills that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as clinical governance or team management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for veterinary care and your motivation to join Coombefield Veterinary Hospital. Mention your experience as a Deputy Head Nurse or RVN and how you can contribute to their team culture and patient care standards.
Highlight Leadership Skills: Since the role involves leading and inspiring a team, be sure to provide examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've managed teams, supported new starters, or contributed to a positive work environment in previous positions.
Showcase Continuous Professional Development: Mention any relevant CPD courses or certifications you have completed. This demonstrates your commitment to professional growth and aligns with the company's emphasis on development opportunities for their staff.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vet Record Careers
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Head Nurse, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a team or mentored junior staff. Highlight how you foster teamwork and maintain high standards of patient care.
✨Know the Practice Standards
Familiarise yourself with the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme and be ready to discuss how you would ensure compliance in your role. This shows that you understand the importance of maintaining high standards in veterinary practice and are proactive about quality assurance.
✨Prepare for Clinical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about clinical situations you might face as a Deputy Head Nurse. Brush up on your clinical knowledge and be prepared to discuss how you would handle specific cases, manage emergencies, or implement new procedures in the hospital.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Continuous Learning
With a CPD allowance and opportunities for professional development, it's important to show your enthusiasm for ongoing education. Discuss any recent courses or certifications you've completed and how they have enhanced your skills, particularly in areas relevant to the role.
